Job 36:8-18

8 And if they be bound in fetters, And be taken in the cords of afflictions;

9 Then he showeth them their work, And their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly.

10 He openeth also their ear to instruction, And commandeth that they return from iniquity.

11 If they hearken and serve [him], They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures.

12 But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.

13 But they that are godless in heart lay up anger: They cry not for help when he bindeth them.

14 They die in youth, And their life [perisheth] among the unclean.

15 He delivereth the afflicted by their affliction, And openeth their ear in oppression.

16 Yea, he would have allured thee out of distress Into a broad place, where there is no straitness; And that which is set on thy table would be full of fatness.

17 But thou art full of the judgment of the wicked: Judgment and justice take hold [on thee].

18 For let not wrath stir thee up against chastisements; Neither let the greatness of the ransom turn thee aside.

Job 36:8-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 36

This chapter, with the following, contains Elihu's fourth and last discourse, the principal view of which is to vindicate the righteousness of God; which is done by observing the dealings of God with men in his providence, according to their different characters, and from the wonderful works wrought by him in a sovereign manner, and for the benefit of his creatures. This chapter is introduced with a preface, the design of which is to gain attention, Job 36:1-4; the different dealings of God with men are observed, and the different issue of them, and the different ends answered thereby, Job 36:5-15; and it is suggested to Job, that had he attended to the design of the providence he was under, and had submitted to it patiently, things would have been otherwise with him; and therefore Elihu proceeds to give him some advice, which, if taken, would be for his own good, and the glory of God, Job 36:16-25; and closes the chapter by observing the unsearchable greatness of God, as appears by the works of nature wrought by him, Job 36:26-33.